Taking to Twitter last night, Sacha wrote: “Sadly, tonight I was punched and attacked regarding my views on reopening. I’m fine, but Demi is beside herself. What sort of a world are we living in?”
Demi is Sacha’s other half, who was reportedly present at the time of the attack.
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In a follow up tweet this morning, Sacha wrote: “Thank you so much for all the kind words of support. Totally humbled.
“I’ll always speak up for what I believe in and fight for Hospitality.”
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Thank you so much for all the kind words of support. Totally humbled.
I’ll always speak up for what I believe in and fight for Hospitality.
I’m just pleased it wasn’t this fella throwing the punches.
Sacha Lord has been a prominent figure in Greater Manchester for many years.
Tens of thousands of people have experienced some of the best nights of their lives as a result of his industry leading events – such as the many seasons of The Warehouse Project and over ten years of Parklife Festival.
However, his mission to get pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants reopened at the same time as non-essential retail – arguing that hospitality poses no greater risk than shops – has put him at the forefront of the lockdown fight here in Greater Manchester.
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It’s estimated that the delay in reopening indoor hospitality has cost the sector roughly £7 billion over the five weeks in which businesses had to remain closed. It has also left thousands of industry staff unemployed.
Sacha claimed that the government had been unable to provide evidence for their reasoning behind their roadmap (and decision to delay the reopening of hospitality), and took to social media to confirm that his case was with a High Court Judge.
Imagine punching someone whilst with their wife,because u disagree with them campaigning to get an industry that supports 6m people, back open. What sort of lowlife coward must you be? Trying to tweet sensibly without silly talk,but I’m so mad.@Sacha_Lord is a gent.
With u mate
— Adam Brooks AKA EssexPR 🇬🇧 (@EssexPR) May 15, 2021
This is terrible. @Sacha_Lord has fought tirelessly to save the industry he loves, to keep people's jobs and livelihoods. He has always followed the evidence and never put a single life at risk. Shame on his attacker and shame on anyone who doesn't condemn this. #IstandwithSachahttps://t.co/YKnUOFm1DC
Thankfully, tomorrow, on Monday 17 May, indoor hospitality will finally reopen its doors and welcome customers back into their businesses.
With industry-leading COVID safety measures in place, it’s a time for the sector to once again prove itself as a safe space during a very uncertain time.
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Lots of restauranteurs have gone to great lengths to keep staff and diners happy and safe during this next phase, however, if you’re worried, make sure you call your local restaurant or pub to check what changes have been made.
It’s been a tough year and a half for the sector, but there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel – it’s now time to support them during this hugely important moment.
Featured image – Darren Robinson Photography
Manchester
Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 – prices for beer, mulled wine, bratwurst, and more
Emily Sergeant
It’s timeeeeee… Manchester Christmas Markets are officially open for 2026.
Now in their 27th year, Manchester Christmas Markets are known and loved for bringing thousands of people into the city centre each year to fill up on the fantastic festive treats and soak up all the Christmas atmosphere.
This year sees an even bigger return of Albert Square, and there’s also some new locations too for 2026. Lincoln Square has joined in on the action, and there’s also some big changes to St Ann’s Square – with what is being described as a ‘brand new layout’, bringing in a bigger number of market stalls.
There’s a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre, but we know there’s one question on everyone’s lips… ‘what’s it gonna cost me?’.
We’ve been running around the markets this morning checking out all the prices on things like beer, mulled wine, bratwurst, and more, so without further ado, here’s everything you need to know.
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Average food and drink prices at Manchester Christmas Markets 2026
Mulled wine – £6.50
Beer – £7
Prosecco – £7
Hot chocolate – £5
Bratwurst – £8
Albert Square
Bratwurst King on Albert SquareThe North Pole pub at Albert Square
Gary Neville’s St Michael’s development reveals plans for FOUR new food and drink openings
Daisy Jackson
Gary Neville’s landmark St Michael’s development has revealed a major new food and drink arrival – actually, FOUR new arrivals.
The huge site in the city centre has announced that acclaimed restaurant group Pasture will be opening four different food and drink destinations here, including a new era for the Sir Ralph Abercromby pub.
Pasture will also have a flagship restaurant on the ground floor of the 43-storey St Michael’s tower, operate the W Lounge hotel bar, and breathe new life into the much-loved historic pub that has stood here long before the development began taking shape.
Pasture has partnered with Relentless Developments and Salboy to bring its food and drink offering to the huge city centre scheme.
The group will take over the much-loved historic Abercromby pub, which is being sensitively restored as part of the development, as well as Terrace, an outdoor dining destination serving a Mediterranean-inspired, all-day menu.
Together, the four concepts will bring a varied hospitality offering to St Michael’s, adding to the restaurants and bars already operating at No.1 St Michael’s such as Circolo Popolare and Chotto Matte.
Founded in 2018 by chef-owner Sam Elliott, Pasture began in Bristol and has since expanded into Cardiff and Birmingham, becoming known for its expertly prepared meat, lively atmosphere and commitment to provenance.
St Michael’s will welcome Pasture to ManchesterSt Michael’s new food and drink offering will also feature an outdoor terracePasture is coming to Manchester
Speaking about the announcement, Sam Elliott said: “Manchester is a city with a huge personality, a strong independent spirit and a real passion for great food, so bringing Pasture here is incredibly exciting.
“St Michael’s gives us the opportunity to create something that goes beyond a restaurant, with four distinct destinations that each have their own identity while sharing the same values around quality, provenance and memorable experiences.
“From our signature open-fire cooking at Pasture Manchester and Mediterranean-inspired all-day dining at Terrace, to the atmosphere of W Lounge and the much-loved character of the Abercromby, we’re looking forward to becoming part of the city’s dynamic hospitality scene.”
Gary Neville, director of Relentless Developments, said the restaurant group was exactly the kind of operator the team wanted to attract to St Michael’s.
“When we started St Michael’s, our ambition was to create a destination in the heart of Manchester that genuinely reflects the energy, confidence and character of the city.
“Pasture is exactly the kind of operator we want to attract. Sam and his team have built something special, and bringing four distinct concepts into the scheme will add another layer of quality and personality to what we’re creating here.”
The announcement forms part of the second phase of St Michael’s, which also includes 75,000 sq ft of premium office space, a 162-room W Hotel and 217 W Residences within the 43-storey tower.
No opening dates for the four Pasture venues have been confirmed yet.
The Manc -
16th May 2021 
